The Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, says a plan to expand the Snowy Hydro scheme to include modern pumped hydro technology will continue the tradition of courage and vision of those who built the original project four decades ago.

Political fireworks have erupted at the Senate inquiry into the deteriorating relationship between the nation's two most senior law officers. The inquiry is examining a new rule Senator Brandis introduced in May, requiring that his written permission be given before Solicitor-General, Justin Gleeson, provides legal...